ARCH1201 Project 1

Part A : To See
Taking a part of the Villa Savoye to analyse and make a detailed model. 

Designed by Le Corbusier, the Villa Savoye embodies ideas of modern architecture which are inspirational till today.

I focused on the circulation paths of the Villa Savoye, which are the spiral stairs and ramp, centrally located in the residential building. These 2 paths articulate movement through the house strongly and are different in a few ways - straight vs curved, shorter route vs longer route, mainly used by servants vs owners and visitors. Its location suggests that it is the heart of the whole house and important in bringing the whole architecture together.

Part B : Abstract and Project

Choosing two aspects and creating three studies of each in an abstract manner that closely analyses the house to get an even deeper understanding.

The analysis of geometry and spaces of the Villa Savoye. 

Geometry studies include symmetry, the use of simple forms and repetition, while space studies include solid and void, enclosed and open, and circulation space. The model shows the solids and voids of the Villa Savoye where white is the solid, while black is the void. I felt that geometry and the arrangement of spaces worked well hand in hand and played crucial parts in creating the architectural experience throughout the house. Whereby the use of underlying geometry and gradual transitions of spaces subconsciously enhances the thoughts and feelings of the user when circulating the building. 

ARCH1102 Project 3 Final Submission

Kiosk@Boundary + Bicycle Parking & Workshop + Gallery Tower

In project 3, a gallery tower is being added to the existing structures - the kiosk and bicycle workshop. The definition of the gallery tower is a building that is at least 2 storeys high, with a minimum 3m height of each level. Other elements to be added include internal stairs and a minimum of one skylight. The gallery is being integrated into the undulating roof, creating a more dramatic effect, keeping the roof as the point of interest. As art galleries do not welcome direct sunlight as it will damage the exhibits, a non-movable louvered wall is being implemented on the north opening of the above ground gallery to reduce the amount of direct sunlight received, yet allowing diffuse light in from the south through the skylight. 

ARCH1102 Project 2 Final Submission

Kiosk@Boundary + Bicycle Parking & Workshop

The idea for this project was to extend the roof form of the kiosk to allow lines to flow more continuously. Zones C and D were the chosen areas to carry out this scheme. The left side of zones C and D is simplified so as to not take away focus or distract the focus of the dynamic roof form. The use of slopes is implemented to allow easy transition from one area to another. They are also used to accentuate the sloped environment and also the angled roof design. The wall of the kiosk facing zone B is now opened so that there is more connection to the workshop instead of being an imposing presence. Also, the store room of the workshop is now linked to that of the kiosk. Circulation in the built areas and surrounds is encouraged through a more open concept of space. The incorporation of columns as supporting structures can be observed in the workshop scheme and it is adapted from the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Pavilion precedent study.

ARCH1102 Project 1 Final Submission

Kiosk@Boundary

I was inspired by the sloped roads in the environment and also circulation from Reid Avenue to Dowling Street. Thus I came up with a design that integrated both ideas from Alvaro Siza's and Mies van der Rohe's projects. Inspiration from Siza can be observed on the exterior while that of Mies van der Rohe's is expressed in the interior. The design is rectilinear in plan but diagonally dynamic at eye level. In plan, the design seems like it has pitched roofs since there are horizontals against verticals. This relates to the surrounding architecture where pitched roofs are common. It also integrates into the other zones, where gradual sloping is implemented from zone D, and where the wall next to zone B is being pushed back, to reduce imposition in the zone.